A NEWPORT Bus employee who worked with the company for 44 years, starting as conductor and eventually becoming Operations Manager, was commended for his outstanding service at a ceremony in London.

Gieni Dudek, 62, from Gaer, started as a conductor in 1969 and worked his way up to become Operations Manager in 2004. In 2012 he semi-retired and now works part-time in the cash office.

He was nominated for the Unsung Hero Award at the UK Bus Awards by his employers.

Mr Dudek said: “I can’t believe I received a commendation for this award. It’s amazing that Newport Transport has nominated me; receiving the commendation is a real honour.”

Newport Bus was nominated for three awards at the UK Bus Awards held at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on November 19.

The awards, now in their eighteenth year, celebrate the UK bus industry in four categories: People; London; Technical and Professional; and Operator awards. Three Newport Transport staff members were nominated in the People category.

Morgan Stevens, 28, was among four young managers nominated for Young Manager of the Year and Harmesh Chand, 40, was among seven nominated for Top National Bus Driver.

Scott Pearson, managing director of Newport Transport, said: “I’m immensely proud of these three people who work so hard for us each day. Gieni has been with the company for 45 years and that is worth this great honour of winning this award. We have a team of incredible people working at Newport Transport and are continuously developing skills and knowledge; it’s fantastic that these three members of our team are recognized for their efforts.”